Vintage Akai GX-747dbx Stereo Reel to Reel Tape Deck For Sale

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Vintage Akai GX-747dbx Stereo Reel to Reel Tape Deck : $1,225

This is a Akai GX-747 dbx reel to reel tape deck that is innear pristinecondition. It was purchased at a Southern New Jersey estate liquidation sale.It powers up and the tape drive motor,meters andselection buttons work normally but all functions have not been fully tested. The serial number is illegible.

The following information providedfrom Steven L. Bender's web page:

GX-747 (1982-1983) and GX-747dbx (1983-1984)

The GX-747 and GX-747dbx were Akai's show-pieces between 1982 and 1984. The GX-747 appears to be the advanced version of the GX-646 although it's construction is somewhat different. Of course the GX-747 has all the functions the GX-646 has but there is more: a digital counter which counts up to 5'59.59 and which is programmable. The user can check time intervals, but he can also program reverse actions, which makes the deck go into reverse mode after a certain amount of time.

The latter sounds a little like the older reverse-o-matic-feature. The "auto-set" creates a reverse cycles between 0:00:00 and the point where the "auto-set" button was depressed. There is also a 'count-up' button which makes the counter counting up even when the machine is in reverse mode.

Although I own a GX-747dbx myself there may be many other program functions which I don't even know about! The function control panel of the GX-747 is the same one used on the GX-77 (see: GX-77); the GX-77 has no auto-mute but that button is used to activate the loading roller mechanism. The auto-mute lasts 4 seconds and cannot be adjusted. The GX-747 has a cueing function as well, just like the GX-77.

The tension arms cannot be locked manually. The GX-747 has two small additional motors which lock and release both tension arms. Unfortunately this takes place by means of a tiny little belt which will wear out after a couple of years.

Although Akai has no parts any more, those belts can still be purchased at most local electronics stores or via the internet. When the tape runs out, the tension arms will fall down towards the deck which activates a micro switch which activates the two small tension arms motors again. Both arms will turn from the deck and will be locked automatically so the user can easily thread a new tape.

The GX-747 has higher feet on its bottom to make room for the door to fall down. Behind this door you will find all switches and knobs which can be found on the GX-646. Because of the door the line and mic knobs are a little smaller but they still have the memory ring.

One other thing the GX-747 and GX-77 have in common is a LED bar meter instead of the conventional VU meters.

The GX-747dbx is just like the GX-747 but it has additional dbx decode/encode pcb's. Remember: the GX-747dbx was not a more expensive version of the GX-747. It was its substitute. Instead of LED bar meters, the GX-747dbx got back the more conventional VU meters. I have been told Akai probably had to omit the LED bar meters because the GX-747dbx otherwise would become too expensive with both dbx and LED bar meters in one set. I don't know if that is true.

Both GX-747 and GX-747dbx have a very high resale value, probably the highest value of any Akai. Well, with the exception of maybe the studio machine PRO-1000 (see: PRO-1000), which is likely to be even more expensive...

GX-747 Specifications

Track system: 4-track, 2 channel stereo system

Tape speed: 3.75 ips and 7.5 ips

Total Wow and Flutter: Less than 0.03% @ 7.5 ips

Frequency response: 25 to 26,000 Hz +/- 3 dB @ 7.5 ips

25 to 25,000 Hz +/- 3 dB @ 3.75 ips

S/N ratio: Better than 65 dB @ 7.5 ips

FFWD/RWD time: 75 sec. using a 1.200 ft tape

Main motor: SCM200

Reel motors: Eddy current outer rotor motor; model: XO24-TD

Heads:

Erase Head: E4-245 (x2)

Recording head: R4-241 GX head (x2)

Playback head: P4-500 GX head (x2)

Dimensions: 483 (H) x 440 (W) x 256 (D) mm.

Weight: 21.0 kg.

Power consumption: 70 W....150 W (depending on location)

Listed New: $ 1300.00 in 1982

There is for this very fine tape deck. The winning buyer is expected to pay, or make payment arrangements, within 72 hours. No exceptions please.

International buyers, please note:

Due to the exceptional package dimensions, weightand postal restrictions, only offers from the following countries can be accepted: